Wagon signs in Charlotte spur billboard scrutiny -- VTDigger

[erronis]

https://vtdigger.org/2025/02/24/wagon-signs-in-charlotte-spur-billboard-scrutiny/

Interesting problem. Probably without a universal solution.

The signs were clear — the hay wagon signs that New York business owner and entrepreneur Raymond Rice put along Route 7 in Charlotte and other neighboring towns a few months ago, that is.

They were so clear, it prompted some Charlotte residents and others in neighboring towns to call their local legislator and the Vermont Agency of Transportation to investigate whether the banners placed on hay wagons along the major highway violated the state’s 57-year-old billboard law.

Now, the drive along Route 7 to the New York border is void of the temporary fixtures, which one Charlotte resident called an “eyesore.” But still, a hay wagon sporting a “Rice Farm and Tires” banner is likely to be the first thing you see upon crossing the border into the Empire State.

The whole debacle is shedding some light on one of Vermont’s most unique and antiquated state laws. What if the sign is on wheels? What if it’s not technically a billboard? What if it’s a banner zip tied to a hay wagon?

...

[bucolic_frolic]

1. They should have put a time limit on them

Any sign stationary for more than 3 hours at a time is a billboard. That's how townships get around overnight noise pollution. A motorcycle or tractor trailer zipping down the highway at 2am lasts for 6-10 seconds. More than 20 and you have a stationary nuisance that is a noise ordnance violation.

[erronis]

2. Good idea! Not sure poor Vermont has enough available enforcement for this.

Hard enough to find people to write tickets in Montpelier.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. Inform your legislators and have others follow up. Pressure leads to results.

Go for it! I don't want to see any billboards if I ever get there again.

[Norrrm]

4. Many businesses park their company vehicle next to the road rather than the building.

They are just renting company wagons?